Question about ECV and shows????

[patman2011]

Me, my wife and 2 kids have been to Disneyworld several times but this will be the first time we are taking my mother. We are going to be renting an ECV in Orlando because my mom has had surgery on both of her ankles and cannot walk but very short distances. We were wondering about shows like Fantasmic and the Candlelight precessional. Since we have never gone with anybody in a wheelchair or ECV before we have never really noticed but will they seat us all together at these shows? Do we have to get there extra early to do this or if they see my mom in the chair will they let us in? How many areas do they have for people in Chairs to sit at these places? I would hate to miss one of these shows or even worse for my mom to be sitting in the handicapped area and for use to be somewhere else because there was no room for us. As you can see I am a total newbie when it comes to this stuff. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As a general rule almost all theaters, including Fantasmic, are set up with the back two rows reserved for people in wheelchairs/ECVs and their parties. Generally there is space for two wheelchairs or ECVs together and then space for a few people to sit on either side. If there are more people in the group than can be seated next to the wheelchair or ECV they will be seated in the next-to-back row.

However, for Candlelight there is a special waiting line for people in wheelchairs or ECVs who have the Candlelight Meal Package. They will ask if the people can walk, and would prefer the ECVs be parked on the side. Otherwise there is special seating. There is no special line for the Standby seating; it is strictly first-come, first-served, after everyone on a Meal Package has been seated. So for dec ent seating at Candlelight, especially with a wheelchair or ECV, it is almost mandatory to get the Meal Package.

 

[patman2011]

Thanks for the info. That to me seems kind of crappy on Disneys part to basically say that if you are not able to get out of your wheelchair or ECV that you HAVE to buy a dining package. I am sure there are plenty of people who never visit this site that would not know this and would be very disappointed that they could not attend the CP.

 

[kimsuenew]

As a general rule almost all theaters, including Fantasmic, are set up with the back two rows reserved for people in wheelchairs/ECVs and their parties. Generally there is space for two wheelchairs or ECVs together and then space for a few people to sit on either side. If there are more people in the group than can be seated next to the wheelchair or ECV they will be seated in the next-to-back row.

However, for Candlelight there is a special waiting line for people in wheelchairs or ECVs who have the Candlelight Meal Package. They will ask if the people can walk, and would prefer the ECVs be parked on the side. Otherwise there is special seating. There is no special line for the Standby seating; it is strictly first-come, first-served, after everyone on a Meal Package has been seated. So for dec ent seating at Candlelight, especially with a wheelchair or ECV, it is almost mandatory to get the Meal Package.

Thanks for this information Cheshire, I appreciate it!

 

[Debbie-TN]

Even though the back row is reserved for wheelchairs and ECV's at Fantasmic, they fill up pretty fast. Try to get there at least an hour before the show. The last time we went, we got there about 30 minutes before the show started and almost didn't get a spot. This goes for all the shows. They only have so many spaces and when they are filled, you will have to wait for the next show.

 

[Bete]

Thanks for the info. That to me seems kind of crappy on Disneys part to basically say that if you are not able to get out of your wheelchair or ECV that you HAVE to buy a dining package. I am sure there are plenty of people who never visit this site that would not know this and would be very disappointed that they could not attend the CP.

you can use 2 table service credits per person to do the Candlelight Processional package with the plan to get the dining package. This is how it's been the last couple of years. I find the Candlelight Processional Package well worth it. You're guaranteed that you get into the show (I still would show up at least an hour ahead to get good seats and the ECV can be treated as a wheelchair for that special, viewing area). If you do this the seats can be basically front and center, if you get there early enough. Make sure you tell the cast member that you need to stay in the ECV or they will put you in the other, reserved dinner line. You want to be in the line to the right which is the handicap line. All ECVs don't use this line that's why I'm telling you about it. If you say you can get out of your ECV you will be directed to the longer, reserved package line to the left. If finances are tough and you don't have the dining plan, you can go the lowest tier CP package and go to the Biergarten in Germany for your package. There are three tiers for this CP dining package and you pay differently on each tier; because, it depends on the place. For the show you get a special badge/sticker that gets you into the special line from the restaurant waitress/waiter. It doesn't matter which tier restaurant you go to for the show. You can use this as a Christmas gift to everyone, if finances are tough. Also, everyone doesn't have to go; this show lasts between 45 minutes to an hour; some kids can't handle it and some families have decided one parent goes with the kids and do other activities while the other one sees the show. You can always do a quick service meal with the kids if they are not going to the show.

The other option as mentioned is the regular line which is free for the show which is on the other side of the theater. Everyone is in the same line here including those in wheelchairs and ECVs. You can still be in your ECV or wheelchair for the show; it just takes much longer to get in and your seating will not be the greatest; because, you are getting in free for the show. I have heard of three hour waits (depending on the night you want to do it) in this line which means you will miss the first show that you are in the line for. I would avoid doing Christmas Eve or Christmas for this show (not sure when you are going). It's easier to get into the early show which is around 5:45 pm. It's not as dark and not as profound with the candlelights for this show; so, it's less popular.

Finally, you have the option of being in the back of the theater on the outside looking in. It's not the best, but you see most of the theater stage and you can hear everything without going in. The kids will have problems seeing and they may not like that aspect.

Disney has other activities that require an extra fee. Either you feel it's worth it or not. I personally feel it's worth it to get the dining package for this event. There are plenty of people doing it, too.

 

[KPeveler]

Thanks for the info. That to me seems kind of crappy on Disneys part to basically say that if you are not able to get out of your wheelchair or ECV that you HAVE to buy a dining package. I am sure there are plenty of people who never visit this site that would not know this and would be very disappointed that they could not attend the CP.

Disney does not say this, but seating is limited. If you want to watch CP, with or without a wheelchair, I advise lining up at LEAST 2-3 hours beforehand. and no, they will not let others join you in line, so people cannot "hold space." When I was there a couple years ago, I saw people lining up at noon, and the first showing was 5:30. Spots for wheelchairs are limited, though there are lots of them, so this is why we suggest the dinner package - most people just cannot line up that early!